Charleston SC History & Articles

There are a great many things that draw visitors and vacationers alike to Charleston. The city, proper, is a Mecca for art and architectural students with its hundreds of galleries and well-preserved, eclectic design in structure: Italianate, Federal, Victorian, Georgian, and Grecian, to name a few. Charleston is also a college town to which scholars are for the excellent schools offering an exceptional experience in higher education. Perhaps it's the history that lures people to come and tour Charleston's museums and historical sites to peek into the founding of our country. Some are interested in visiting plantations and learning more about the seeds of discontent planted over slavery that led to the Civil War. Or it could be that the rich religious history due to Charleston's first melting pot society offers the unique multitude of styles in the structure of church and temple steeples that add to her extraordinary beauty her the name the Holy City. The presence of the military history from Charleston's founding offers much to see for military, aviation, and war buffs. There is undoubtedly a wealth of history that provides abundant learning opportunities for any who visit Charleston. Still, then again, maybe it's just the balmy weather, constant sunshine, and pristine beaches that draw vacationers like bees to honey.

One can rent an ocean-side house on one of the islands, James, Sullivan's, Daniel, or Isle of Palms, and still, be 15 minutes from downtown Charleston. Conversely, one can choose a Bed & Breakfast, an Inn or a hotel guestroom or suite right in the center of town on the City Market and still be only a short ride to countryside plantation tours or a day of nationally top-rated golfing. Whether here for business or pleasure, ocean or art, family, or romance, there is accommodation to suit every purpose and budget that allows for the best of both worlds.

Achieving world acclaim for her events, Charleston hosts some of the most exciting and well-organized festivals that bring couples, families, and groups back year after year. The South Eastern Wildlife Exhibition prompts visitors to learn about the unique and expansive natural resources and wildlife indigenous to South Carolina through works of art, sculptures, and family activities. The SEWE promotes respect for our wildlife resources and the necessity of conservation and replenishment to balance extraordinary sporting opportunities. Another renowned event in Charleston is The Spoleto Arts Festival. Likely the most widely popular Charleston event bringing artists, actors, poets, musicians, dancers, and lovers of art in all genres from all over the world together for a few weeks in performances in venues all over Charleston. The Piccolo Spoleto, held simultaneously with Spoleto, offers hundreds of free events and activities to engage children in the arts to create a family festival atmosphere. A month does not pass in Charleston without some type of holiday, cultural or regional event that will add to the excitement of a visit to Charleston. Here, one will find long-standing Blues and Oyster Festivals, a nationally recognized 4th of July celebration, gallery tours, art walks, and the shopping, oh the shopping!

Exploring antiques in downtown on King Street, Summerville's sleepy town, or even Walterboro for the antique hunter, the Charleston area has earned her reputation as a treasure hunter's dream. King Street also boasts a design and fashion district where all the top named SHOPPING offer sought-after fashion products. For the pocketbook conscious, there are over 150 factory outlet stores at the Tanger Outlet Mall by the Charleston International Airport offering highly recognizable names for outlet prices such as Coach Leather, Christian Dior, Nine West, and more. The Charleston City Market offers history and charm in a flea market type environment. But make no mistake; there are hand-woven Sweetgrass baskets, leather goods, art, clothing, and all kinds of quality products offered by these sidewalk vendors. Shopping 'til you're sated and then stop for lunch at an unrivaled restaurant. From cafe to a burger, Irish to Italian, from French fries to French cuisine, virtually every possible restaurant choice can be found in Charleston to satisfy any taste or appetite.

Tour the city, take in the sites, and learn the vibrant and eclectic history. Relax on the beaches, soak up the sun, select a variety of foods, and sample wine from local vineyards but be forewarned, many who come here for vacation find the magical snare that is Charleston and find themselves packed and moved before they know what happened. A premier destiny spot for events, cruises, and vacations, Charleston has become a hotspot for relocation as people learn the secrets of her slow, southern lifestyle, high property values, and growing aeronautics and technological industries. Asking, "Why not?" People from all over the country seek what Charleston and her surrounding areas have to offer: a beautiful city, culture, exciting events, tropical beaches with swaying palms, balmy weather, steamy nightlife, and opportunity for a slower, more friendly lifestyle. Come to Charleston soon; fall in love with the allure of Charleston's charms.

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